Otways attractions to get upgrades

THE state government has announced $2.5 million to improve visitor facilities at three popular sites within the Great Otway National Park.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio announced last week that Maits Rest, Melba Gully and the Cape Otway Lightstation will benefit from upgrades that will be delivered by Parks Victoria in 2019.

The investment comes as regional Victoria continues to experience an increase in nature-based tourism.

Maits Rest, a rainforest area that receives 150,000 visitors each year, will have its popular 800-metre boardwalk upgraded with a contemporary design that will conserve its unique environment.

There will also be improvements to the site’s walking tracks, pedestrian bridges, viewing platforms, carpark and visitor interpretation signage.

Melba Gully, known as the “Jewel of the Otways”, will undergo general improvement works and be a key destination for visitors during the works at Maits Rest.

Cape Otway Lightstation, which includes mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, will receive upgrades to its carpark and toilet facilities.

Stretching from Anglesea to Princetown and through the Otways hinterland, the 100,000-hectare Great Otway National Park is one of Victoria’s largest and most important environmental and tourism locations.

“This investment supports one of the region’s great drawcards – the Great Otway National Park,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The national park is one of the state’s most important, both in terms of its biodiversity, but also for many communities and local businesses.”